iPod Refurb Classic 160 - a good buy?

[firecrasher]

Hi, one of my friends is looking to replace his 5th gen Classic 80G, the Genius bar told him he could get 10% off a new one if he trades it in, but there's a refurbished 160G for $250 on the Apple Store.

I've never had any experience with Apple refurbs -- is this a good deal? Thanks

 

[Vader]

Sell the classic 80 gig and buy a refurb. Best route.

 

[elmateo487]

yeah dont trade it. You could get close to 100 bucks for it, sell it. Then thats 40% discount.

Get a 160, i had one, i loved it.

 

[firecrasher]

I think it has some issues, but that's what selling As Is on eBay is for...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A refurb Classic 160 is a great buy, if you love music, have a huge collection and want a long lasting battery. Tell your friend to go for it.
Cheers

 

[lamina]

Refurbished iPods are indistinguishable from new ones, other than the fact that it comes in a brown box.

I've dealt with 3 and they've all been absolutely immaculate. I'm pretty sure they put a new case on the refurbs. They had the original wrapping on it and everything.

 

[OldLadywithiPod]

Old Lady with Refurb iPods agrees that refurb is the route to take!

I have one refurb shuffle that works faster and more reliably that my bought-new shuffle. From looking at them, you can't tell which is the refurb and which is the new.

I used to work in electronics manufacturing and I suspect that the refurbs are more carefully tested and re-tested than are the new items that are just tested once super-quickly to get them off the line and shipped. Of course, exceptions can happen, we can all have a bad day and several lemons go out the door. But Old Lady is willing to bet her next iPod piggy bank money that refurbs are more reliable.

 

[mdwsta4]

been debating about doing the exact same thing.
i've had friends with refurb'd ipods and i've had a refurb'd iphone. none of us have had any problems and like others have said, they're indistinguishable from new.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Actually, when the new models/updates were issued in September, I immediately bought a refurb 80 GB classic, (to replace my beginning-to-show-its-age-30 GB classic) and am very happy with it. Terific capacity and an really excellent battery. Refurb is certainly a good way to go on this.
Cheers